Police officer indicted for years of alleged domestic abuse against wife

A police officer from northern Israel is accused of severe domestic violence after years of allegedly abusing his wife, sometimes in front of their young daughter.

Prosecutors write that the defendant, indicted today, physically and verbally abused his wife and routinely intimidated her, creating a “threatening and dangerous living environment” for her and their daughter.

He also allegedly pointed a handgun at his wife’s and daughter’s heads, used the firearm recklessly and allowed the child to handle the weapon.

The officer was arrested two weeks ago by investigators in the Department of Internal Police Investigations (DIPI), a body in the State Attorney’s Office that investigates police suspected of criminal offenses.

He is charged in the Haifa Magistrate’s Court with several counts of aggravated assault, threats and reckless use of a firearm.

Prosecutors have requested the defendant remain in custody until the end of legal proceedings against him. A gag order has been imposed on the case in order to protect the daughter’s identity.